A Recce for Ebony and Ivory Ride (1 April 2017)

The Recce Team at Pendas Jetty

Waiting for our food at Warong Poyot

Low tide

Forest City with its hanging gardens

One of the reasons why we waited patiently for 10 minutes to get clearance

Batik and kebaya clad staff

Hanging Gardens of Babylon???

Steeds

Monkeys

Nasi lemak beef rendang

Lontong

Mee Soto

The Ebony and Ivory Ride scheduled for 8 April 2017 is a joint venture between A Taste of Johor and Asia Cycling Network with a vision to bring together people from all nationalities irregardless of race, religions or social status. Aiming to foster social inclusion and human development, both the visits to the rustic fishing village of Pendas in contrast to the new Forest City development gave rise to the themed name. ACN had driven the route twice; once with Philip Sim and on both occasions meeting up with the person in charge at Forest City to express our intent. Today's recce ride was with the same purpose but more so, to simulate the actual day's event.

We started rolling as soon as Philip was spotted climbing up the slope from Horizon Hill's Eastgate. He was not allowed any rest time even though he had rode all the way in from Singapore as he was caught shooting the sunrise, resulting to his delay! Exiting the Southgate and taking on the butterfly interchange, we cruised on Iskandar Coastal Highway before turning off for Lebuh Kota Iskandar. After which, we had a short regrouping at Gelang Patah and once again at the Pendas junction.

Arriving at the Heartstopping Prata stall aka Warong Poyot, we were disappointed our Prata man had taken the day off. Disappointed, we settled for mee soto, lontong and nasi lemak. However, the beef rendang served with nasi lemak turned out exceptionally good, alleviating our frustrations.

After breakfast, we rode to Pendas jetty which overlooks the hillock of Sunway Iskandar. To our right, Singapore appeared a short swim away! Here and there were little stalls trading fresh fishes caught from the sea.

Before long, we left the rustic fishing village and headed for Forest City. As we approached the "ivory towers" a security guard standing at his post refused to allow us entry. This was not surprising as several riders have been turned away on previous occasions.

Throwing names does not gain us entry. Even though we had informed the person in charge to expect our arrival, no red carpets were rolled out to welcome us. Instead, the head of security came on his motorcycle to check us out. It was after a few phone calls and a good 10 minutes wait that we were finally given clearance to enter!

At the driveway to the main lobby, Quili came out to greet us, apologizing and assuring that things will be smoother next week. We refreshed ourselves over complimentary drinks served at the sales gallery before taking our final bow.

On our way back, we took another water break at Gelang Patah. While some had fresh coconuts, some preferred the cold drinks offered at Petronas. TH though went ahead alone without a break.

The hot mid day sun finally took a toll on Maggie. Climbing up the slope as she entered Southgate, her leg cramped. She had to sit by the side of the road while Lim and Claudine accompanied her. They had a heartwarming experience when a Good Samaritan pulled his car over to offer help. He must have cast some magic dust for somehow, Maggie's leg finally recovered and with that she walked home accompanied, by Lim.

Photo credits :
1. Ang Yee Ling
2. Philip Sim